Viduka u-turn on socceroos retirement

Newcastle striker Mark Viduka will play in the Asian Cup next month after an eleventh hour decision to delay his retirement from the Australia national team.

The striker called a news conference on Friday morning with the intention of announcing he would no longer play for the Socceroos with immediate effect.

Having recently completed his move from Middlesbrough to Newcastle, Viduka had planned to end his international career to concentrate on his club commitments.

But the 31-year-old had a change of heart after speaking with head coach Graham Arnold.

“It’s great news,” said Arnold. “We can’t hide the fact we have been in discussions with Mark over the last three or fours days about his availability for the Asian Cup. The first indications weren’t a good sign.

“However, he’s made the decision (to continue with the Socceroos). The first decision was to retire, but after time thinking about it, he’s made his availability clear.

“He’s totally committed to the shirt and totally committed to the cause.”

Viduka captained Australia to the knock-out stages of the World Cup in Germany last year and is likely to take up the same role again when the Asian Cup gets under way next month.

The 16-team tournament is co-hosted by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam from July 7-29.

Australia, who are among the favourites to win the competition, are in the same group as Thailand, Iraq and Oman.